A significant milestone has been reached for Marina Village in Barrow, as plans progress to create a new neighbourhood with hundreds of new homes.  Westmorland and Furness Council has appointed Muse Places, supported by supply chain partners through the ECF partnership, as its strategic development partner for Marina Village, which will seek to provide around 1,350 new homes, a nature conservation area and new public open spaces.   Marina Village is a vital part of Barrow’s plans for the future, bringing new homes close to education, major employers and local shops and businesses, and helping strengthen perceptions of Barrow as a place to live.      Cabinet agreed today to award a pre-development services agreement to Muse Places and its supply chain partners within ECF.   Councillor Jonathan Brook, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “This scheme will play a vital role in the future success of Barrow. It is a key part of the delivery plans for Team Barrow.  “A significant amount of time, work and funding has gone into getting us to this stage. We are now very much looking forward to working with Muse and ECF on this project and together with partners and the local community, to develop the vision for this site and for it to become a thriving residential community.  ECF is a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, bringing together public and private sector expertise to support long-term regeneration in towns and cities across the UK.  Sir Michael Lyons, Chair of ECF, said: “Marina Village is a significant opportunity for Barrow, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council as plans move forward.  “The appointment of a development partner marks an important step, allowing the council and its partners to start shaping how Marina Village can come to life, building on its waterfront setting and responding to the needs of the local community.  “At ECF, we take a long-term, partnership-led approach to regeneration, and we’re excited to work closely with the council and local stakeholders to help create a new neighbourhood that Barrow can be proud of.”  Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said: “This is a tremendously exciting moment for Marina Village. Taking this approach ensures that this important waterside area in Barrow is brought forward in the right way to create a modern, attractive and desirable place to live and is aligned with workforce needs and the wider regeneration of Barrow.   “By focusing on family homes and accommodation suitable for first-time buyers and a choice of types and tenures, we will ensure that these homes support the wider growth aspirations of Barrow’s community and wider economy.”   The council appointed Muse Places using The Developer Led Framework that Pagabo manages on behalf of Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust, and has been advised in the procurement process by CBRE and DWF.   Jonathan Parker, development director at Pagabo, said: “The appointment of Muse through the Developer Led Framework demonstrates how major, complex regeneration projects like Marina Village can be progressed through a procurement process that is both simple and fully compliant. The framework that we manage is designed to give councils confidence, pace and flexibility, while maintaining transparency and best value. It’s great to see Westmorland and Furness Council able to focus on shaping the vision and outcomes for Barrow, knowing that the procurement route is robust, efficient and aligned with long-term place-making ambitions.” Cabinet had previously agreed to follow a ‘master developer’ approach to develop the Marina Village, where a single developer takes responsibility for the early planning and design work, coordination of infrastructure, and delivery of the wider plans.   This coordinated approach helps ensure consistent quality, long-term stewardship, and cohesive place-making while de-risking the process for individual developers and local authorities and agreed to start the procurement process to appoint a master developer.   With a focus on a choice of new family homes, the council’s vision for Marina Village is for it to be: “A high quality, well-designed waterfront neighbourhood set along Barrow’s active historic docks, it will offer a new, contemporary housing choice within walking distance of Barrow Town Centre. Set within a sustainable network of vibrant and natural spaces, which support well-being, active travel and a great quality of life, it will offer homes where you can set down roots. A place where heritage, nature, community and landscape connect to Barrow’s industrial future, and thrive.”   When complete, Marina Village will strengthen the council’s work with government and BAE Systems as the Team Barrow partnership, ensuring that interventions to support employment opportunities at BAE are transformational, inclusive and long-lasting for Barrow, Westmorland and Furness, and beyond.    Peter Anstiss, chief executive of Team Barrow, said: “Housing is a strategic priority in our 10-year plan for Barrow and the Marina Village is critical to the delivery of this.     “The Government’s long-term commitment to its submarine programme is driving substantial growth in the shipyard, and this in turn creates significant demand for thousands of new homes, for employees and their families.    “The appointment of Muse and ECF is great news and we look forward to working with them, as well as our partners in Westmorland and Furness Council, to deliver this vitally important housing development.”   Work is under way to remediate the second phase of 19 hectares, preparing the land for new homes, supported by £24.8 million of Brownfield, Infrastructure and Land (BIL) funding of from Homes England. Phase 1 of the development – the remediation of six hectares of land funded by £5.5 million secured from the Government’s Getting Building Fund, administered by Cumbria LEP – was completed in November 2023.    Phase two includes ground remediation and the installation of associated supporting infrastructure, including a realigned Cavendish Dock Road, as well as the diversion or protection of key utilities. The project will also relocate the council’s Salthouse Road waste depot to a temporary site.   Planning approval for phase 3, which includes remediation and realignment of Cavendish Dock Road, was granted in November and will help unlock a further 16 percent of the site, once a biodiversity net gain credit application has been approved.   A Pre-Development Agreement with Muse and ECF will commission early work to prepare Marina Village for the next

Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of mixed-tenure homes, has joined forces with housing association Citizen, to deliver 60 much-needed affordable family homes in Oldbury, marking a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs. The development, located on Titford Road, will transform a previously vacant site into a vibrant new community, offering a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes. The project is designed to provide high-quality, affordable housing for families in the area, supporting Sandwell Council’s ambitions for sustainable growth and regeneration. Michael Moore, Managing Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Citizen on this development which will not only meet the housing needs of the community but will protect wildlife and ecology whilst bringing investment for services into the area. “We’re excited to be a part of Oldbury’s growth and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed affordable homes which will help meet the significant housing shortage in the area and create a thriving and sustainable community.” Nick Byrne, Executive Director of Development at Citizen, said: “We’re excited to be working with Vistry on another development in the West Midlands which will provide 60 affordable homes. “Our plans for the Titford Road site will transform a vacant area and bring it back into use by building affordable homes for people on the housing lists. “We’re committed to building homes that meet the needs of our communities, and we look forward to seeing work start on this site soon.” The scheme, which received planning permission in April 2025, has been developed in line with Natural England guidance, ensuring ecological protection and enhancement. Key features include the retention and improvement of the site’s watercourse, the creation of green buffer zones with native planting, and the introduction of new public green spaces, supporting Sandwell Council’s goals for sustainable placemaking. The partnership between Vistry and Citizen is expected to bring wider economic benefits to the region, including job creation and investment in local services. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ballymore has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Newham to redevelop its Thames Road site into a major mixed-use scheme delivering 1,685 new homes. The development, designed by Howells, will also provide a new primary school, more than 13,500 square metres of light industrial and flexible workspace, a riverside park, and a mix of ground-floor retail and community facilities. John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said the approval marked a key milestone for the project and reflected the ambition behind the proposals. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the Royal Docks and said the scheme would build on the success of nearby Royal Wharf while responding to the area’s changing character and needs. Royal Wharf has become widely recognised as a benchmark for high-quality brownfield regeneration since its completion in 2020. With planning consent now in place for Thames Road, Ballymore plans to progress the scheme and prepare to start construction next year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Developer Muse has been selected as preferred development partner to lead one of the UK’s largest city-centre regeneration programmes, taking a central role in shaping the future of Bristol Temple Quarter. Muse Places will drive the delivery of up to 10,000 new homes alongside major commercial development, new public realm and significant transport upgrades centred around Bristol’s main rail hub. The appointment places Muse at the heart of a long-term regeneration strategy designed to transform a key gateway into the city. The developer will initially focus on Temple Meads West, an area comprising a series of publicly owned sites immediately adjacent to Bristol Temple Meads station. These include land at the Friary, the City Point building and multi-storey car park at Temple Gate, Lower Station Approach and the Portwall Lane car park. Muse is expected to begin work on an outline planning application for Temple Meads West, with submission targeted for early 2027. Alongside this, Muse will support BTQ LLP in developing longer-term proposals for St Philip’s Marsh. The area represents one of the largest remaining brownfield regeneration opportunities in central Bristol and forms a key component of the wider 135-hectare Temple Quarter programme. Bristol Temple Quarter is being brought forward through a partnership between Homes England, Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. BTQ LLP said Muse was selected for its strong regeneration credentials and proven delivery record, citing major schemes in Salford, Plymouth and London, as well as its long-standing involvement in Bristol through the Wapping Wharf development. The appointment comes as momentum continues to build across Temple Quarter, supported by substantial public investment already under way. Construction is progressing on a new £23m eastern entrance to Bristol Temple Meads, funded through a £95m government grant, and due to open in September 2026 alongside the University of Bristol’s £500m Enterprise Campus. Further transport improvements are also advancing. BTQ LLP secured a resolution to grant planning permission for the Southern Gateway transport hub late last year, with a contractor expected to be appointed imminently and works scheduled to begin on site this summer. With Muse now in place as preferred partner, the Temple Quarter regeneration is set to enter a critical new phase, laying the foundations for one of the most ambitious urban renewal programmes in the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Award-winning sustainable housebuilder Greencore Homes has exchanged on a 13.9 acre residential development site in Puckeridge, East Hertfordshire. The acquisition, promoted by Wates Group, marks a major addition to Greencore’s expanding portfolio of Better Than Net Zero homes and the company’s first site in East Hertfordshire. Located in the south of Puckeridge, north of Standon Hill, the 13.9 acre site benefits from previously secured Outline Planning Consent for 91 homes. Greencore Homes will submit a Reserved Matters planning application by Summer 2026. The site acquisition and Outline Planning Consent forms part of East Hertfordshire Council’s District plan to deliver 1,173 new homes per year to provide much needed housing. As of October 2025, the average house price in East Hertfordshire was £459,000[1], 70% higher than the UK average, emphasising the need for sustainable and affordable homes in the area. Greencore Homes will construct the Better Than Net Zero homes, using natural materials. The homes are ultra-low in embodied carbon and are designed to achieve a net energy balance across the development. With renewable energy sources, including optimal photovoltaic panels on the roof, Greencore’s EPC-A rated  homes are built to Passivhaus standards, allowing for comfort, low running costs and a minimal impact on the environment. The Puckeridge site sits within a 10-minute walk to the village centre. Located six miles west of Bishop’s Stortford and 10 miles north of Hertford, Puckeridge is a village with convenient access to a wide range of facilities within a 20-minute walk, cycle or bus ride. Perfect for professionals and young families, Puckeridge is ideally located for commuting into either London or Cambridge, with trains from Stevenage just 24-minutes into King’s Cross. Laura Stone, COO at Greencore Homes, said: “Our aim at Greencore Homes is to become the blueprint for Better Than Net Zero development. Homes can, and should, be better for people, places and planet from the start of construction. With an aim to deliver 10,000 Better Than Net Zero homes by 2035, the exchange on this site in Puckeridge brings us one step closer to achieving our ambitions.  The 91 homes we will construct on the site will be designed to be healthy, comfortable, and cost-effective for residents, while contributing meaningfully to the transition toward a zero-carbon future.” Oliver Luard, Partnerships and Investment Director at Greencore Homes, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Geencore Homes and an excellent start to the New Year, having exchanged contracts on this superb development opportunity in the lovely village of Puckeridge, Hertfordshire. We look forward to completing the purchase and submitting our Reserved Matters application for 91 much-needed Better Than Net Zero homes early in 2026.” Wates Group promoted the site, and Forsters provided legal services to Greencore Homes. The landowner’s sales agents were Strutt & Parker, and the landowner received legal advice from Birketts and DAC Beachcroft. For more information on Greencore Homes, visit https://greencorehomes.co.uk/ [1] Office For National Statistics https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/housingpriceslocal/E07000242/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Contractor Clegg Construction, on behalf of its client Liverpool-based developer Brickland, has secured Gateway 2 approval for a £46m, 12-storey apartment scheme in Nursery Street, Sheffield. The 267-apartment, build-to-rent development has received authorisation from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) – paving the way for work on site to begin in January 2026. Gateway 2 was introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 and is aimed at improving building safety, particularly for high rise buildings. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) confirms that this development in Sheffield meets the most stringent of safety requirements. “This approval means that we can now proceed to the next stage, with enabling work starting on site to deliver this 12-storey concrete-frame apartment project.” Clegg Construction has been appointed by Brickland Ltd to build the development. Other members of the team include architect Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson, built environment consultancy Ridge, MEP services consultant Futurserv, project manager and quantity surveyor Egan Lucocq Ltd, and Design Fire Services. This is the latest in a number of residential projects that Clegg Construction has delivered in recent years including The Ironworks, a 12-storey apartment block of 229 properties in Sheffield, 185 apartments at Spinners Yard in Leeds, and Gilders Yard in Birmingham, which featured 158 new homes. The company has been involved in several projects in Sheffield and is currently working on a new Faculty of Health building at the University of Sheffield. With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.   For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bellway has submitted a detailed planning application for 176 new homes on land at Jacksons Lane in Hazel Grove, Stockport. Half of the homes planned for the 19-acre site would be affordable housing, while new publicly accessible open space would also be created as part of the development. The application, which has been developed by Bellway’s Strategic Land team and Manchester division, follows the site’s inclusion in the draft allocation of land for new residential development in the emerging Stockport Local Plan. The land sits to the south of Jacksons Lane, on the southern edge of Hazel Grove. Sebastian Burrow, Bellway Strategic Land Director for the North West, said: “We have worked closely with the landowners and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council to develop proposals which make effective use of this site and respond positively to local planning policy, helping to deliver much-needed new homes in the borough. “The project would include 50 per cent affordable housing, with a mix of rented and shared ownership properties, contributing towards meeting identified local housing needs and supporting the delivery of mixed, balanced communities in Stockport. “This is a highly sustainable location for new homes, with shops, schools and bus stops all within walking distance. The development has been designed to promote walking and cycling, with new pedestrian and cycle links proposed as part of the site layout to ensure the development connects with surrounding footpaths. “The proposals also provide significant areas of public green open space and a children’s play area, alongside a range of measures to protect and enhance biodiversity, including new planting and the creation of wildlife habitats. These will deliver environmental benefits as part of a high-quality, sustainable development.” The plans include a range of two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale and two and three-bedroom affordable houses, with a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached designs. The proposals also seek to enhance the site’s landscape features, retaining existing hedgerow and mature trees, including the tree-lined corridor along the site’s southern and south-western boundaries, and two ponds. In addition, there will be new planting incorporating native species to maximise biodiversity improvements, and new wildlife habitats including bat and bird boxes. As part of the planning process, it is anticipated that Bellway will make financial contributions towards improving local infrastructure, which could include schools, healthcare services and open space, sports and recreational facilities. Sebastian said: “As well as providing new housing and open space for people in the area, this project will enhance the vitality, viability and accessibility of Hazel Grove, bringing jobs and inward investment into the local economy.” More information about the work of Bellway Strategic Land can be found at https://www.bellwaystrategicland.co.uk/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Build to Rent developer PLATFORM_ is preparing to move its major Bristol city centre scheme into procurement, following planning approval secured just before Christmas. In December, Bristol City Council resolved to grant planning permission for the large-scale regeneration project, marking a key step forward for the former sawmill site. With the approval now in place, PLATFORM_ is gearing up to tender for a main contractor in the second quarter of 2026, ahead of a Gateway 2 submission planned for the end of the year. The development will deliver 352 Build to Rent homes and is designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris. It is positioned as a significant regeneration scheme that will transform a previously inaccessible riverside location into a new residential neighbourhood with strong public realm credentials. Central to the proposals is a new riverside park that will open up access to the River Frome to the public for the first time in generations. The landscaped space will be supported by a new pedestrian bridge across the river, improving connectivity and creating a more permeable route through the area for both residents and the wider community. Since planning approval was secured on 20 December 2025, the project team has been progressing pre-construction activity, refining technical design and preparing the scheme for market engagement. The upcoming contractor tender will represent a major milestone as the developer transitions from planning into delivery. PLATFORM_ chief executive Jean-Marc Vandevivere said the planning decision represented a significant step forward for one of Bristol’s most important regeneration sites. He said the scheme would provide much-needed new homes while delivering high-quality public spaces and amenities that support long-term placemaking. The project is expected to play a meaningful role in addressing housing demand in the city, particularly within the professionally managed rental sector, while also enhancing the riverside environment and reconnecting the site with its surroundings. With contractor procurement scheduled for Q2 and regulatory submissions planned later in the year, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the scheme. PLATFORM_ said it remains focused on working closely with the council and its advisory team to ensure the project progresses smoothly towards construction and delivery, helping to establish a vibrant new riverside community in the heart of Bristol. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Slovakian developer Penta Real Estate has officially entered the UK market, launching its first London projects through a new 50/50 joint venture with urban regeneration specialist Ballymore. Together, the partners will deliver more than 680 new homes across two major residential schemes, marking a significant milestone in Penta’s international expansion. The developer has recently established a London office and is moving ahead with its initial developments after both secured full planning consent. Construction is already under way on the schemes, which have a combined gross development value of more than £700m. The first project, Cuba Street, is a 52-storey residential tower located on the edge of Canary Wharf. Designed to bring contemporary homes to one of London’s most dynamic business districts, the scheme is set to become a new landmark in the area. The second development, The Capston, forms the final phase of Ballymore’s ambitious Embassy Gardens regeneration in Nine Elms. The project will deliver 247 apartments across two buildings rising 11 and 22 storeys, completing one of London’s best-known regeneration masterplans. Pavel Streblov, managing director of Penta Real Estate UK, said the partnership marks an exciting moment for the business as it enters what he described as the world’s leading real estate market. He said the joint venture reflects a shared ambition with Ballymore to deliver high-quality homes and create positive outcomes for London’s communities. Streblov added that both organisations are committed to shaping distinctive and inspiring residential environments, and he looked forward to bringing forward new opportunities for Londoners. John Mulryan, group managing director at Ballymore, said securing the investment for the two schemes is a major achievement given current market conditions. He emphasised that with housing supply under pressure across the capital, progressing projects at pace is essential, and the partnership with Penta Real Estate will help ensure delivery continues. Mulryan noted that the two companies are aligned in both approach and ambition, and he welcomed the opportunity to establish what is expected to be a long-term collaboration in London’s residential sector. With construction under way at both sites, the joint venture is set to play a meaningful role in meeting demand for new homes in highly sought-after parts of the capital. For Penta, the developments mark the beginning of what is expected to be a wider programme of UK activity, following years of growth in Central Europe. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Lewisham Strategic Planning Committee has unanimously approved Lewisham Council’s ambitious regeneration plans for Achilles Street in New Cross. The scheme is set to deliver greater security for existing residents, substantial investment, and new economic opportunities for local businesses and the wider community. The regeneration initiative is designed to strengthen the neighbourhood for the long term by providing an increase in affordable homes, improved public spaces, and safer streets—all of which have been directly shaped by local people. The approved scheme will deliver a total of 278 high-quality new homes, with 60% allocated as affordable housing. This includes 122 homes for Council-owned social rent—an increase from the current 87—and 44 homes for shared ownership. Further housing specifications include: In addition to housing, the plan sets out significant community and economic benefits: The project has been heavily influenced by residents since 2016, with engagement efforts including a Resident Steering Group, a youth panel, and workshops with local schools. This resident involvement was formalised in a 2019 estate ballot where 92% of eligible residents voted, with a majority of 73% in favour of the plans. The Council has committed to continuing collaboration with residents to shape their new homes as the project progresses. The design prioritises a strong neighbourhood feel, featuring secure bicycle parking and accessible public spaces. New maker spaces along Pagnell Street and the Makers’ Yard are intended to offer affordable, flexible space for local artists and entrepreneurs, bolstering New Cross’s role as one of Lewisham’s most creative districts. The Achilles Street scheme is expected to be completed by 2033 and marks a major milestone for Building for Lewisham, the Council’s programme backed by the Mayor of London to increase affordable housing and support local jobs. Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, commented: “Achilles shows what regeneration should be: rooted in the community, improving everyday life and helping local people stay in the neighbourhood they love. With 60% affordable homes, safer public spaces, better connections and new opportunities for local businesses, we’re delivering the Good Growth vision in our Local Plan – creating a thriving New Cross shaped by its residents, for the future of Lewisham.” Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, emphasised the focus on social housing: “With the Achilles Street Estate regeneration, we’re putting social rent homes first. We know some of our estates and homes are not up to standard and need regeneration, and we are doing that regeneration with social housing tenants at the heart of our plans. The increase in social homes on this site means that families stuck in temporary accommodation or overcrowded in their properties will get the opportunity to move in to secure, safe and well-designed homes, giving them the chance to thrive at the heart of our community.” Jo McCafferty, Director at Levitt Bernstein, praised the community involvement: “It’s testament to an incredible working collaboration between the community, our client, ourselves, WR-AP Architects and ZCD Architects and the wider design team including Max Fordham and Price & Myers. The Achilles Estate steering group have been at the forefront of all decision-making and have shown such personal commitment to the project over this period, from the original ballot in 2019.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals